How to Track Every CountryYou've Visited

The complete guide to accurately tracking all 249 countries and territories worldwide. Master GPS methods, manual verification, and achievement optimization with proven strategies used by serious travelers.

Country Tracking Methods

Choose the right tracking method based on your travel style, technical comfort, and accuracy requirements.

GPS Auto-Detection
Accuracy: 95%+Effort: Low
Automatic tracking when you cross borders with location services enabled

Pro Tips:

Keep location services always on
Ensure app has background location access
Stay in country for at least 5 minutes for verification
Move at least 100m from border for reliable detection
Manual Country Entry
Accuracy: 100%Effort: Medium
Add countries manually with date verification and photo proof

Pro Tips:

Add entry stamps or boarding passes as proof
Record exact dates of entry and exit
Include location photos for verification
Note transit vs. destination visits
Photo Geotagging
Accuracy: 90%+Effort: High
Use geotagged photos to verify and add country visits retroactively

Pro Tips:

Check photo metadata for GPS coordinates
Verify coordinates match country boundaries
Use multiple photos from different dates
Cross-reference with travel documents

Understanding Country Classifications

Not all destinations are created equal. Understanding the different types of countries and territories helps you track accurately and unlock the right achievements.

UN Member States
193 Countries
Officially recognized sovereign nations

Examples:

United StatesJapanGermanyBrazil

Tracking Notes:

Standard GPS and manual entry work perfectly

Dependent Territories
56+ Territories
Non-sovereign territories with distinct travel requirements

Examples:

Puerto RicoHong KongFrench PolynesiaGibraltar

Tracking Notes:

May require manual verification due to GPS boundaries

Microstates & Special Cases
10+ States
Tiny nations or special administrative regions

Examples:

Vatican CityMonacoSan MarinoLiechtenstein

Tracking Notes:

GPS can be unreliable, manual entry recommended

Common Tracking Challenges & Solutions

Every serious traveler encounters these tracking issues. Here's how to handle them like a pro and maintain accurate records.

Airport Transit

The Problem:

GPS triggers during layovers without leaving airport

The Solution:

Verify you actually entered the country vs. just transited

Prevention:

Set app to require minimum 30-minute stay outside airport

Border Towns

The Problem:

GPS flickering between countries near borders

The Solution:

Manually verify your actual location and intended country

Prevention:

Move at least 1km from border for clear GPS signal

Maritime Borders

The Problem:

Unclear boundaries when traveling by boat or ferry

The Solution:

Use official port of entry as verification point

Prevention:

Mark entry when you clear customs, not during water transit

Disputed Territories

The Problem:

Countries not recognized by all nations or apps

The Solution:

Research local recognition and document thoroughly

Prevention:

Check MileAway's official territory list before traveling

Advanced Optimization Strategies

Take your country tracking to the next level with these professional tips used by the most dedicated travel trackers.

GPS Optimization
Enable high-accuracy location mode
Keep phone charged during border crossings
Avoid airplane mode immediately after landing
Test GPS signal before crossing remote borders
Documentation
Photograph passport stamps immediately
Save boarding passes and tickets
Take selfies at country landmarks
Record entry/exit times and locations
Achievement Strategy
Plan routes to maximize country count
Target rare or difficult-to-reach destinations
Combine multiple territories in single trips
Time visits for special achievements or challenges

Ready to Start Tracking?

Download MileAway today and begin your journey to visiting all 249 countries and territories. Join thousands of travelers already tracking their adventures and unlocking achievements.